The Curragh Racecourse is organising a unique behind the scenes walking tour of some of their magnificent Thoroughbred training grounds as part of the Go Racing in Kildare Festival week on Monday morning 11th October, while seven competitive races will take place that afternoon sponsored by TRI Equestrian with the first off at 1.45pm.
Training Grounds Manager Pat Kelly will give a guided tour of the various gallops and training facilities which are used by over 1,200 horses trained by some of the world’s top trainers including Dermot Weld, Kevin Prendergast, Dessie Hughes and John Oxx. Racetrack Foreman Pat Webb will also give his expert knowledge about the preparation of the course for racing.
Horses trained on the Curragh have won some of the world’s most famous races, including the English, Irish, French and Italian Derby races, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Belmont Stakes and Breeders Cup in the US, Melbourne Cup, Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National, while this year the Curragh has been responsible as the home to Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite of Passage, Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas winner Bethrah, while leading two years Pathfork and Casamento have used the Curragh training facilities as part of their preparation for top races this year.
All are welcome, but places for the tour have to be reserved in advance by contacting Yvonne Coyle at the racecourse tel 045 441205 email racing@curragh.ie. There is no charge for the tour, while admission to the races is also free